Tibetan Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
Tibetan Spaniel temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
With his independent nature and quick agility, the Tibetan Spaniel has been compared to a cat.
Lively and playful, yet also calm and laid-back, this good-natured dog is easy to live with. He fits into an apartment or an estate with equal contentment. All he asks for in the way of exercise are daily walks and occasional romps in a safe enclosed area.
Tibetan Spaniels are family-oriented: they love to play games with their own people, are sensitive to moods and feelings, and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
They are agile, sure-footed climbers (can often be found perched on the windowsill or the high back of a chair, looking out the window) and clever problem-solvers who often rely on their dexterity to get what they want. For example, they will use their paws to pry open a cabinet door.
Most Tibetan Spaniels are conservative with strangers and don't like being swooped down on by people they don't know. Early socialization is important to develop a confident, outgoing temperament. Most are friendly with other animals.
Though stubborn and self-reliant, the Tibetan Spaniel is also sensitive; obedience training should include food and lots of praise and encouragement.
If you want a dog who...
- Is small and sturdy, with a short face and large expressive eyes
- Has a thick coat that comes in a variety of colors
- Is sensible and easy to live with – sometimes lively and playful, sometimes calm and laidback
- Needs only moderate exercise
- Makes a good watchdog but is not aggressive with people
- Is usually fine with other pets
A Tibetan Spaniel may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
- Suspiciousness or timidity when not socialized enough
- Stubbornness (mind of his own)
- Regular brushing and combing
- Shedding
A Tibetan Spaniel may not be right for you.
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Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
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- You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Tibetan Spaniels have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
- If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.
More traits and characteristics of the Tibetan Spaniel
If I was considering a Tibetan Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...
- Grooming and shedding. To keep their lovely coat free of mats and tangles, Tibetan Spaniels require regular brushing and combing. And be aware, they shed a good deal.
- Stubbornness. Tibetan Spaniels have an independent mind of their own. They can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
In other words, you must teach your Tibetan Spaniel to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Follow my free online training programs.
- Finding one. The Tibetan Spaniel is not common in the United States, so you should expect to go on a waiting list.
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